Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown

Chapter 288

At that moment, everyone noticed her eyes were brimming with tears. Yet not a single one fell; they clung stubbornly to her lashes, making her seem all the more poised and untouchable-like no pain could truly reach her.

"I have nothing more to say," Serena spoke, her voice steady. "Everything that needs to be said has already been represented by my attorney. The antique was my father's legacy to me. Since he entrusted it to me, I intend to honor his wishes and keep it safe."

Her words barely faded before a wave of angry voices surged up behind her.

"She's shameless! She's the reason her own father died, and she still dares to say that?"

"Unbelievable! There's no way she should get to keep the antique!"

"That's right! She can't have it!"

A flurry of furious murmurs filled the courtroom.

The judge glanced uneasily at Serena, clearly at a loss for how to proceed.

But Serena sat tall, her back perfectly straight. No matter how vile the insults hurled her way, her expression never wavered, not a hint of surrender in her eyes.

Giles, seated beside her, finally allowed himself a breath of relief. He watched Serena with clear admiration. Earlier, he'd worried she might buckle under the guilt-haunted by memories of her parents' deaths—and give up the inheritance herself. Clearly, he'd underestimated her.

looked up at the judge. "Your Honor, I ask that you proceed according to the law and deliver an impartial

judge seemed to snap out of his daze. With a deep frown, he

else stood up

full investigation and legal arguments, this court has thoroughly examined the case. I am now ready

Civil Code... the court rules as follows: the antique shall

broke out in

voice above the din. "If

you have the right to file an appeal within fifteen days of receiving

finished speaking, then looked toward Penelope. "Are there any

pale and rigid, managed to shake her

judge announced the session

staff began to file out. For a long moment, Penelope just sat there, frozen

as

inside her, she shot to her feet and strode across the aisle separating her

nerve to keep his things? If I'd known what you were, I

she could strike,

furious gaze with an icy

shivered. His hand was

as